Hearing Connector Locking Mechanism for Tool-Free Secure Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hearing devices with multiple parts are prone to malfunctioning if not properly and securely locked together, and existing locking mechanisms are often delicate and require tools, making them difficult for users to operate.
Innovation Solution
A hearing device design featuring a behind-the-ear housing with a connector and locking element that allows secure attachment and detachment without tools, utilizing a guide and locking mechanism that shifts between open and locked states to prevent accidental disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a locking mechanism is made small and delicate to fit the hearing device, then the device size is reduced, but the locking mechanism becomes prone to breaking and requires tools for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: a locking element with protrusion for engagement, a guide structure for alignment, and a connector with receiving features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compactness and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed as a self-operating system where the locking element automatically engages with the connector through relative movement, and can be released by simple manual manipulation without requiring external tools. The guide ensures proper alignment during self-engagement
2Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is made robust and simple to operate without tools, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the locking element: it provides both the locking function through its protrusion and the guiding function through its integration with the guide structure. The connector also merges the receiving feature for the protrusion with the overall connection interface, reducing the need for separate components
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is made removable for cleaning and replacement, then maintenance capability is improved, but the risk of accidental disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure performs preliminary alignment action before the locking element engages with the connector. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the connector is attached, it is properly aligned and will engage securely, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection while maintaining removability for maintenance
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a hearing device (2) comprising: - a behind-the-ear housing (4), where the housing comprises a bottom part (6), a top part (8) opposite the bottom part (6), a front part (10), and a rear part (12) opposite the front part (10), - a connector (14), the connector (14) is configured to be removably attached to the housing (4), where the connector (14) is configured for connecting the housing (4) to an element (16), the element (16) is being configured to be arranged in or at the ear of the user, wherein the housing (4) comprises a locking element (18), where the locking element (18) is configured for locking the connector (14) to/in the housing (4), and wherein the housing (4) comprises a guide (20) for at least a part of the connector (14).